Matheus Cunha's deflected strike in the 89th minute rescued Manchester United from what threatened to become a damaging defeat, earning them a 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday and offering some relief ahead of the international break.

It was far from comfortable for Michael Carrick's side, who had already endured a Carabao Cup collapse at home to Brighton and a Manchester derby loss before arriving at Craven Cottage. A shocking own goal from Lisandro Martinez 23 minutes from time seemed set to deepen that misery further.

Martinez horror show opens the door

The own goal was born of chaotic defending. Calvin Bassey muscled Cunha off the ball and unleashed a fierce shot that Senne Lammens could only parry. Martinez, arriving late, stuck out a boot and diverted the ball back past his own goalkeeper — a sequence Sky Sports' Gary Neville branded "a real mess."

Neville's greater concern, though, was United's tepid possession play in the lead-up. He described their passive build-up as "the worst 15 minutes I have ever seen Manchester United play" — a damning verdict for a side that arrived in west London already under scrutiny.

Cunha's deflection rescues a point

United's equaliser arrived in similarly chaotic fashion. Cunha's effort took a wicked deflection off David Affengruber, looping beyond Bernd Leno and into the net. Leno had been the busier goalkeeper throughout the afternoon, making a series of full-stretch saves to keep Fulham ahead after the own goal.

The evening could have looked very different had Bruno Fernandes converted from Cunha's cutback in the first half rather than striking the post, or had the Brazilian's earlier deflected attempt — which also kissed the woodwork — found the net instead.

Mixed feelings on both sides

For Fulham and their new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, there was heartbreak in conceding so late. Yet the performance offered genuine encouragement — a draw at Anfield followed by a spirited showing at home means they climb off the foot of the table on goal difference, still searching for that first Premier League win under their new boss.

For United, the point masked deeper problems. They sit in the bottom half of the Premier League after five games, 10 points behind table-topping Manchester City, and must use the three-week international break to find a significantly higher gear if they are to mount any meaningful challenge this season.